Doug McKalip, a White House senior policy adviser for rural affairs, was the surprise guest speaker at today's dedication ceremony for the new Dillon Middle School.

The school replaced J.V. Martin Junior High School, which became a national symbol for crumbling schools after it was spotlighted by President Barack Obama.

The new school opened to sixth through eighth graders earlier this month. It officially was dedicated today by McKalip and other state and local leaders. It is Dillon's first new school in about 40 years.